When the sun’s out, these easy summer recipes are in. From light and delicious appetizers to main dishes and desserts, we have all the recipes you need for the season.
68 Super Fresh and Easy Summer Recipes
Updated on Sep. 19, 2024
1/68
Key Lime Cream Pie
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am very proud of this luscious no-bake beauty. It's so cool and refreshing—perfect for any summer potluck or get-together. Wherever I take this pie, it quickly disappears, and everyone asks for the recipe. —Shirley Rickis, Lady Lake, Florida
Easy no-bake summer desserts are key to keeping cool on the hottest (and laziest) of days. This creamy key lime pie takes a few minutes to prepare and a couple of hours to chill, and it will disappear in a flash.
2/68
Easy Seafood Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super simple, deceptively delicious recipe was inspired by a seafood salad I had in the Bahamas that featured conch. I substituted crab and shrimp for the conch and liked it even more! —Cindy Heyd, Edmond, Oklahoma
Like most summer salads, this deceptively simple chilled seafood salad can double as an appetizer or a main course. Swap in the seafood of your choice, from peeled shrimp to scallops, crab meat and more.
3/68
Mixed Berry Sangria
Total Time
10 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a light, tasty beverage to serve with spoons so everyone can enjoy the fresh berries once the sangria is gone. — Linda Cifuentes, Mahomet, Illinois
Batched cocktails and punches are perfect for cookouts, beach picnics and potlucks. Made with sparkling wine, white cranberry juice and coconut rum (though you can choose plain white rum, too), this is a fresh take on classic sangria. It’s one of many fruity drinks we love for summer sipping.
4/68
Terrific Tomato Tart
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Signature Mediterranean ingredients—including basil, tomatoes, feta and phyllo—meld beautifully in this fresh and airy flatbread-like dish. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
This delightful tart makes the most of the endless tomatoes we all have during gardening season. Use store-bought phyllo dough and pesto for an easy and elegant-looking appetizer.
5/68
Bing Cherry-Amaretti Fool
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When Bing cherries are in season, I make this fruity custard-style fool. The sweet cherries and whipped cream balance perfectly with the sour cream. —Mary Ann Lee, Clifton Park, New York
Who doesn’t love cherry season? Use fresh Bing or other types of cherries in this creamy, cool and custardy dessert. The whipped cream and sour cream plays nicely with the sweet fruit and amaretti cookies.
6/68
Caprese Eggplant Hero
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Eggplant Caprese is a wonderful way to showcase fresh produce including tomatoes, eggplant and basil. During the summer when tomatoes are at the most delicious, I love to create new recipes to eat as many tomatoes as possible! This recipe is so tasty that my family enjoys eating it in every season.You don't need to peel the eggplant. The peel adds some texture and nutrients, and it helps holds the form a little better. It's a taste preference. Change it up and add sliced mushrooms in addition to or instead of the spinach. —Stacy Corday, Waxhaw, NC
Grill eggplant planks and layer them with super fresh summer tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and basil. A balsamic glaze ties the sandwich together; you can buy it or make one yourself (like the one from this creamy polenta with balsamic glaze recipe).
7/68
Cucumber and Hummus Boats
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The refreshing combo of cucumber and hummus really brings this meatless meal together. It transports easily, making it a great option for weekday lunches. — Matthew Hass, Ellison Bay, Wisconsin
Cucumbers filled with creamy hummus and garbanzo bean salad are nutritious and full of flavor. When it’s boiling hot outside and you need a satisfying lunch, remember: There’s a reason we say “cool as a cucumber.”
8/68
Fizzy Peach Shake
Total Time
10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe came about when I was a child living in peach country in Washington. There were fresh peaches everywhere, so my mom and I came up with this beverage. We called it a fizz because there's a bit of bubbling from the ginger ale. This recipe says "summer" to my family and me. Add more ginger ale to make it thinner, or more ice cream to make it thicker. —Teresa Jarnot, Monroe, Washington
This summer recipe is perfect when fresh peaches are at their peak and you don’t want to make another pie or cobbler. Throw a few sliced peaches in a blender with vanilla ice cream and ginger for a fizzy take on a shake.
9/68
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
If you think a tomato sandwich is the quintessential summer treat, try adding thinly sliced cucumbers and a bit of fresh mint. It’s a refreshing twist for those really hot days when you don’t want to do anything extreme in the kitchen.
10/68
Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this chicken ramen salad because it's a complete meal in one bowl. Everyone loves when it's on the table—that's a reaction that doesn't happen every night, so I appreciate the kudos when I get them! —Karen Carlson, Alameda, California
When a lighter dinner is in order, this chicken salad full of crisp greens, fresh vegetables and crunchy ramen noodles really hits the spot. It’s a one-bowl meal that will wow even the most finicky crowd.
11/68
California Roll Wraps
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
Turn a sushi bar staple into this flavor-packed wrap that’s great for lunches, picnics or any day you don’t want to turn on the stove. This recipe is highly adaptable: Use tuna or smoked salmon instead of crab meat, or pita instead of a tortilla, or any other vegetables.
12/68
Rosemary Strawberry Daiquiri
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This strawberry daiquiri recipe is a standout with its herbal twist! I used to teach herb classes at our local technical college and everyone enjoyed my segment on herbal cocktails like this one. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
A sprig of rosemary adds a lovely herbal note to these slushy strawberry daiquiris. Use the best rums when making daiquiris and other cocktails.
13/68
Triple Tomato Flatbread
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my garden's plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
This summer recipe comes in handy when your garden is overflowing with tomatoes. The mix of tomatoes—plum, sun-dried and cherry—is the perfect combination for the grilled flatbread. You can easily bake it, too!
14/68
Moroccan Lamb Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I am a huge fan of both Moroccan lamb and lettuce wraps. This combination—with the creamy dressing and crunchy cucumber—makes a tasty slow-cooked dish. The wine and chili powder add even more flavor elements. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Ras el hanout, a Moroccan spice blend, livens up slow-cooked lamb for these lettuce cups. It’s easy to make with spices you probably already have in the pantry, but you can also find it in grocery stores.
15/68
Air-Fried Radishes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to make in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Radishes: Not just for salads anymore! Fried radishes make a quick and colorful side dish for any meal, and they’re super easy to make in the air fryer.
16/68
Vegan Quinoa Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Toasting the grain before it simmers isn't essential, but it does add a pleasant nuttiness to the flavor of this vegan quinoa salad. Mix and match whatever fresh herbs and veggies you have on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
It’s not necessary to toast quinoa before cooking it, but you’ll get a pleasant nutty flavor when you do. After that, use any mix of herbs and fresh vegetables for this delicious and effortless salad.
17/68
Salmon and Spud Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I headed straight for the kitchen when I decided to pick up a healthier lifestyle. This salmon with veggies proves that smart choices can be simple and satisfying. —Matthew Teixeira, Milton, Ontario
There’s so much goodness in this one recipe. Heart-healthy salmon coupled with lots of green veg like asparagus and arugula is a perfectly satisfying one-dish meal for summer.
18/68
Hot Dog Sliders
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
3-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Turn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can't eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Turn all-American hot dogs into a fun international treat at your next casual party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and south of the border. Bet you can’t eat just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
19/68
Steak Fajitas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Zesty salsa and tender strips of steak make these traditional fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah
An easy and zesty garden salsa (aka pico de gallo) really makes these grilled steak fajitas pop. Like most meats, slice the flank steak against the grain after it rests. That helps keep the meat tender.
20/68
Pesto Corn Salad with Shrimp
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe showcases the beautiful bounty of summer with its fresh corn, tomatoes and delicious basil. Prevent browning by spritzing the salad with lemon juice. —Deena Bowen, Chico, California
Shrimp is one of the easiest and quickest things to cook on the grill, and these skewers only need a few minutes per side. Making this for a party? Prepare the corn salad ahead of time so it’s ready when the shrimp come off the barbie.
21/68
Grilled Veggie Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe one summer as a way to use up vegetables from our garden. Grilling the veggies first brings out their sizzling flavors. Try it with a sprinkling of olives or pine nuts before adding the cheese. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Whatever you have too much of in the garden—peppers, greens, tomatoes, zucchini—you can use them all on top of this pizza. Grill the veg first for added caramelized flavor before piling on top of the pizza.
22/68
Garden Chickpea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Bump up the servings for this salad recipe, and you’ve got yourself the perfect picnic or potluck dish. The vegetarian-friendly combo of chickpeas and tons of summer veg is already fantastic, but you can add sliced chicken or lamb for a meatier meal.
This creamy sherbet is the next best thing to fresh watermelon. Have some fun and try different varieties of melon, like yellow watermelon.
24/68
Summer Garden Fish Tacos
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve fish tacos with quinoa and black beans for a complete and satisfying meal. If you’ve got them, add colorful summer toppings like bright peppers, green onions or purple carrots. —Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
Have all of your tortillas, fish and toppings ready for DIY taco night in the backyard. If you’re worried about tilapia sticking to the grill, cook it on a piece of foil sprayed with oil. Or use any other type of fish that grills more easily, like salmon, halibut or mahi mahi.
25/68
Grilled Vegetable Platter
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is the best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are perfect for entertaining. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
Marinated and grilled peppers, summer squash, carrots, onions and asparagus create a beautiful centerpiece to any summer party. Swap in any of your favorite vegetables.
26/68
Disney’s Dole Whip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your kitchen will be the happiest place on earth when you serve this sweet-sour treat. The recipe comes directly from the Disneyland app and tastes just like the real deal you'd order at the park. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
This is exactly how Disneyland makes the famous sweet-sour treat. Now your kitchen can be the happiest place on earth!
27/68
Kathy’s Herbed Corn
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I agreed that the original recipe for this corn needed a little jazzing up, so I added the thyme and cayenne pepper to suit our tastes. Now fresh summer corn makes a regular appearance on our grill.
—Kathy VonKorff, North College Hill, Ohio
When you think about it, fresh summer corn is the perfect vehicle for any number of flavors. Here, grilled corn on the cob gets some added pizzazz from thyme and cayenne, but let your spice cabinet and imagination run wild.
28/68
Strawberry Lemon Trifle
Total Time
20 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshingly fruity dessert is one of our favorites. It looks so beautiful layered in a glass bowl that people will think it took ages to make. The secret is starting with a purchased angel food cake. —Lynn Marie Frucci, Pullman, Washington
This summer trifle is easier to make than it looks. Make a creamy custard with pudding mix and cream cheese, blend together strawberries and white grape juice, and layer with store-bought angel food cake. Viola! A picture-perfect dessert. We’ve got even more trifle recipes, all delicious hits.
29/68
Marinated Cucumbers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dressed with a light, tangy oil-and-vinegar mixture and seasoned with herbs, these cucumber slices make a cool summer side dish. The refreshing salad is perfect alongside sandwiches and a variety of meats.—Mary Helen Hinson, Lamberton, North Carolina
All you need for this simple side dish are cucumber, onions and a tangy herb-packed vinaigrette. Serve alongside sandwiches, burgers and grilled meats, or simply eat on its own.
30/68
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
It only takes a few ingredients to add a ton of flavor to grilled chicken. Here, red pepper flakes, rosemary and lemon do all the work. Turn the chicken into gyros with warm flatbreads and creamy tzatziki, or serve with a fresh salad and couscous.
31/68
Ribbon Salad with Orange Vinaigrette
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Zucchini, cucumbers and carrots are peeled into “ribbons” for this citrusy salad. We like to serve it for parties and special occasions. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
To make this citrusy salad, peel zucchini, cucumber and carrots into “ribbons” for an elegant effect. Everyone will think you worked really hard on something that came together in mere minutes.
32/68
Grilled Flank Steak
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
How to cook flank steak? Easy! Marinate it and grill or broil it! This marinated steak is so moist that it will become one of your favorite ways to serve beef. —Heather Ahrens, Columbus, Ohio
33/68
Chili-Lime Grilled Pineapple
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love grilled pineapple. This recipe combines the fruit's natural sweetness with the tart and spicy flavors of lime and chili powder. It's great for dessert and even as a side dish with ham or pork chops. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Whether served as a side dish to pork or as dessert, grilled pineapple should be your summer go-to. Spice it up with chili powder and lime to complement the fruit’s natural sweetness.
34/68
Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. —Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, Maine
This summer recipe features a tasty combination of sweet and savory. Make a vinaigrette with blueberry preserves, maple syrup and fresh berries, then drizzle over a big bowl of greens with more blueberries plus mandarin oranges and tangy goat cheese.
35/68
Potato Salad with Kalamata-Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Potato salad tossed with vinaigrette has a lighter taste than traditional mayo versions. I add velvety avocado and hazelnuts for cool texture and crunch. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
It’s always good to know what types of potatoes are best for potato salad and other recipes. Here, just-tender Yukon golds tossed in a light vinaigrette serve as the base, while avocado, olives and crunchy hazelnuts add extra flavor and texture.
36/68
Grilled Nectarines with Burrata and Honey
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The classic Caprese gets a sweet makeover with this inspired summer starter. Burrata, mint and honey are served over nectarine halves—or any stone fruit you like—in this creamy, dreamy dish. —Anthony Gans, Hawthorne, California
A riff on a traditional caprese, grilled stone fruit topped with creamy burrata and a drizzle of honey is the appetizer of your summer cookout dreams. Best part: It comes together in a matter of minutes so your guests can nibble while you pull together the rest of the meal.
37/68
Root Beer Float Pie
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the kind of recipe your kids will look back on and always remember. And you don't even need to use an oven! —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
We could all use more no-bake desserts as the temperatures rise. Combine whipped topping, root beer, milk and pudding, and dump into a premade graham cracker crust. Chill and serve to a very happy crowd.
38/68
Barley Corn Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A terrific alternative to pasta salad, this colorful side dish adds refreshing herb flavor to corn, barley, and red and green peppers. Bring it to your next get-together and see how fast it disappears! —Mary Ann Kieffer of Lawrence, Kansas
39/68
Tarragon Asparagus
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I grow purple asparagus, so I'm always looking for new ways to prepare it. Recently, my husband and I discovered how wonderful any color of asparagus tastes when it's grilled. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Asparagus is perfect for the grill and only takes a few minutes to get crisp-tender. Sprinkle with freshly chopped tarragon or any other herb and serve as a side for grilled steaks, chicken or fish
40/68
Frozen Berry & Yogurt Swirls
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 pops
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy these frozen yogurt pops because they double as a healthy snack and a cool, creamy sweet treat. —Colleen Ludovice, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
No one has to tell the kids that these deliciously fruity frozen pops are actually good for them. It’s a choose-your-own-flavor kind of adventure, too: Mix strawberries, peaches, blackberries or any other summer favorites into plain Greek yogurt, add a stick and freeze.
41/68
Honeydew & Prosciutto Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For parties, I turn melon and prosciutto into an easy salad with a honey mustard dressing. To add zip, stir in fresh basil and mint. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Salty prosciutto and sweet melon is a classic Italian appetizer. Here, they’re turned into a salad with greens, honey mustard dressing, and fresh basil and mint.
42/68
Grilled Nectarine & Cheese Crostini
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
At our house, we love the summer tastes of sweet grilled nectarines and fresh basil over goat cheese. I can usually find all the ingredients at the farmers market. —Brandy Hollingshead, Grass Valley, California
Grilling stone fruit like nectarines (peaches and plums also work) caramelizes and brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit. Tangy goat cheese and fresh basil are perfect accompaniments on crusty crostini.
43/68
Zucchini & Cheese Roulades
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
This is a super delicious and easy summer recipe for all that surplus zucchini. Grill thin slices before stuffing and rolling with a creamy cheese filling. Swap in sun-dried tomatoes for olives, if you like, or use feta instead of Parmesan cheese.
44/68
Grilled Green Beans
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I cook almost everything outdoors, including grilled green beans. I prepare this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Carol Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Yes, you can grill green beans! This souped-up version comes with a delicious shallot-butter sauce, and cooks on the grill alongside whatever main dish you’re preparing.
45/68
Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas
If you don’t have a spiralizer to make zucchini noodles, simply use a vegetable peeler to cut ribbons. They cook just as quickly and still look lovely next to this blackened tilapia.
46/68
Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A few people in my family have special dietary needs, but luckily, these chicken tacos work for all of us. I toss up a simple green salad and have a meal we can all enjoy together. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Make your own spice mix for this speedy dinner idea. While the chicken cooks, mix together avocado, tomato, corn and spices for a delicious accompaniment. All you need is a salad or a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
47/68
Sauteed Zucchini
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
48/68
Grilled Tilapia Piccata
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We aren’t big fish eaters, but a friend made this for us, and we couldn’t believe how wonderful it was! Now we eat it regularly. I love making it for guests because it’s simple, looks lovely and tastes restaurant-worthy. —Beth Cooper, Columbus, Ohio
You don’t want to marinate fish in anything that has a lot of acid in it; that will make the flesh too mushy. Instead, brush on a light lemony and caper mixture before grilling, drizzling any reserve when it comes off the heat. If you don’t like tilapia, any flaky white fish will do!
49/68
Minty Watermelon-Cucumber Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Capturing the fantastic flavors of summer, this refreshing, beautiful watermelon-cucumber salad will be the talk of any picnic or potluck. —Roblynn Hunnisett, Guelph, Ontario
Watermelon and cucumber are both delicious and super hydrating when it’s hot outside. Combine the two with mint and a zesty vinaigrette for the ultimate crispy and cool summer recipe.
50/68
Grilled Steak Salad with Tomatoes & Avocado
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves a good steak dinner, but with busy schedules, I'm often thinking about ways to put new and simple twists on things. This salad is flavored with the freshness of lemon and cilantro and is one of my husband's favorite weeknight dishes. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia
Why leave steak for weekends when you can make this quick and tasty salad any night of the week. The bean salad with tomato and avocado is a great way to stretch the meal. Need another veg? Toss in some crisp romaine lettuce or peppery fresh arugula with the beans.
51/68
Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My veggie pasta proves you can’t have too much of a good thing. Feel free to change it up with whatever fresh veggies are in the garden or farmers market. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
There is a point every summer when there are almost too many amazing vegetables spilling out of your garden and farmers market. Put them all to good use in this quick and rustic pasta dish, and feel free to change it up with whatever veggies and herbs you have on hand.
52/68
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
53/68
Avocado Crab Boats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
While you can eat these crab-filled avocado halves warm, cold or at room temperature, they need to go under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese. They make a great addition to any potluck table.
54/68
Gingered Spaghetti Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love this chilled chicken salad brimming with colorful veggies. Make it meatless by omitting the chicken and tossing in more edamame. —Cindy Heinbaugh, Aurora, Colorado
Everyone needs a few quick pasta salads to get through the long summer. With chicken, this one is a full one-bowl meal. Need a vegetarian dish? Omit the meat.
55/68
Sauteed Green Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These sauteed green beans with garlic and a variety of herbs and spices come together in no time at all for a well-seasoned side dish you'll make on repeat. —Heidi Wilcox, Lapeer, Michigan
56/68
Chocolate Pudding Pizza
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister Brenda and I made up this recipe while talking on the phone. My family loved the classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter presented in a whole new way. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
A pizza by any other name…is a giant cookie topped with sweet cream cheese, chocolate pudding and whipped cream! You need a little oven time to make the base of this dessert pizza, but then the fridge takes it to the finish line.
57/68
Avocado Salsa
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 7 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I was planning a party and thought it might be fun to try a different kind of avocado salsa. This recipe was an absolute success. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over chicken or steak, or eat it on its own! —Susan Vandermeer, Ogden, Utah
Move over, guacamole! This avocado salsa has a lot more going on, thanks to corn, black beans and tomatoes. Serve with tortilla chips or spoon it over grilled meats.
58/68
Ginger Plum Tart
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet cravings, begone: This free-form plum tart is done in only 35 minutes. It's extra awesome when served warm. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Feel like you can’t make another summer pie? Make a free-form tart instead! Use sweet stone fruit and a bit of sugar, and serve warm with a dollop of real whipped cream.
59/68
Turkey Pepper Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a summertime favorite at our house. While the turkey is a nice change
of pace and tastes great with the sweet basting sauce and pineapple, the recipe also works well with cubed chicken.—Traci Goodman, Paducah, Kentucky
Turkey tenderloins are a great alternative to chicken breast, but it’s ok to use chicken, too. Grilled pineapple and peppers add sweetness and color to the skewers; reserve some of the basting sauce for a drizzle after they come off the grill.
If you want to taste summer in a baking dish Pioneer Woman’s corn casserole is a must-try!
60/68
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
A fresh tomato and basil marinade adds tons of flavor to grilled chicken. Reserve some for serving alongside grilled tomatoes. It’s one of those basil recipes that tastes just like summer.
61/68
Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Because they’re the star of the show, you want to use peak-season strawberries for this easy pie (if you don’t know, here’s how to clean strawberries). Bake a flaky crust, fill with berries and a gelatin mixture, and top with lots of fresh whipped cream.
62/68
Grilled Steak Bruschetta Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll want to fire up the grill just to make this impressive entree. The steaks cook quickly, and the salad prep takes almost no time at all. —Devon Delaney, Princeton, New Jersey
We love using the grill for more than just the obvious. After the steaks have cooked and are resting, throw slices of thick Italian bread over the coals for a crispy charred flavor. Top with sliced steak and this easy zesty salad for a delicious dinner.
63/68
Batter-Up Walleye
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing is more rewarding than celebrating the day's catch with friends when you share this fresh dish. Substitute your favorite pan fish! —Alesha Oster, Williston, North Dakota
Bring your catch back from the lake and make this quick pan-fry walleye for a summer backyard feast. Don’t have walleye? Any type of flaky white fish will do. We have more tips on how to fry fish, from selecting the right fillets and coating to the best oil and tools to use.
64/68
Halibut Soft Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm-weather favorite is quick, colorful and full of nutrients. I sometimes serve the fish wrapped in lettuce instead of tortillas. Either way, the mango salsa tastes amazing with the grilled halibut. —Kristin Kossak, Bozeman, Montana
All you really need to do for this easy summer recipe is make a quick salsa and grill the fish. From there, let everyone build their own tacos with tortillas, lettuce and a squirt of sriracha for a little kick.
65/68
Frozen Sandwich Cookies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 sandwich cookies
From the Recipe Creator:
It takes only three ingredients to make these chilled sandwich cookies. You'll love the pretty pink filling. —Mary Ann Irvine, Lombard, Illinois
Need a quick dessert? Mix strawberry yogurt and cream cheese together, fill chocolate wafer cookies and chill. The pretty-in-pink sweet is a surefire hit.
66/68
Watermelon-Blueberry Salad
Total Time
5 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People love the unique combination of flavors in the dressing that tops the fresh fruit in this salad. It's so refreshing on a hot summer evening. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
A zippy mint and lime dressing brings out the best of both watermelon and blueberries in this quick-serve salad. It’s the perfect refresher on hot nights (and super good for you!).
67/68
Loaded Baked Potatoes
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my creamy and rich version of twice-baked potatoes. Always a treat, these stuffed potatoes go very well with the Chicken Cordon Bleu for my holiday dinner. —Merle Dyck, Elkford, British Columbia
68/68
Grilled Peaches ‘n’ Berries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With only five ingredients, this delightful dessert is so easy to prepare. Just halve peaches and sprinkle with fresh blueberries and a brown sugar mixture. Because they're grilled in foil, there are no messy dishes to wash. —Sharon W. Bickett, Chester, South Carolina
Make foil packets for this quick and easy dessert so there’s less to clean up after. Sprinkle blueberries and peach halves with brown sugar, grill and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
